Abuse-proofed dosage form

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a form of administration which is secured against misuse and which is thermoformed without extrusion, comprising at least one synthetic or natural polymer having a resistance to breaking of at least 500 N in addition to one or several active ingredients with a misuse potential and, optionally physiologically compatible auxiliary substances. The invention also relates to a method for the production thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/085,085, filed Nov. 20, 2013, now pending, which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 12/140,444, filed Jun. 17, 2008, nowabandoned, which is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/349,537,filed on Feb. 6, 2006, now abandoned, which is, in turn, a continuationof PCT/EP04/08793, filed on Aug. 5, 2004, which, in turn, claimspriority of German Patent Application No. 103 36 400.5, filed on Aug. 6,2003.

The present invention relates to an abuse-proofed dosage formthermoformed without extrusion containing, in addition to one or moreactive ingredients with abuse potential (A) optionally together withphysiologically acceptable auxiliary substances (B), at least onesynthetic or natural polymer (C) and optionally at least one wax (D),wherein component (C) and the optionally present component (D) in eachcase exhibits a breaking strength of at least 500 N, and to a processfor the production of the dosage form according to the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many pharmaceutical active ingredients, in addition to having excellentactivity in their appropriate application, also have abuse potential,i.e. they can be used by an abuser to bring about effects other thanthose intended. Opiates, for example, which are highly active incombating severe to very severe pain, are frequently used by abusers toinduce a state of narcosis or euphoria.

In order to make abuse possible, the corresponding dosage forms, such astablets or capsules are comminuted, for example ground in a mortar, bythe abuser, the active ingredient is extracted from the resultant powderusing a preferably aqueous liquid and the resultant solution, optionallyafter being filtered through cotton wool or cellulose wadding, isadministered parenterally, in particular intravenously. An additionalphenomenon of this kind of administration, in comparison with abusiveoral administration, is a further accelerated increase in activeingredient levels giving the abuser the desired effect, namely the“kick” or “rush”. This kick is also obtained if the powdered dosage formis administered nasally, i.e. is sniffed. Since controlled-releasedosage forms containing active ingredients with abuse potential do notgive rise to the kick desired by the abuser when taken orally even inabusively high quantities, such dosage forms are also comminuted andextracted in order to be abused.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,494 proposed adding a swellable agent to the dosageform in order to prevent abuse. When water is added to extract theactive ingredient, this agent swells and ensures that the filtrateseparated from the gel contains only a small quantity of activeingredient.

The multilayer tablet disclosed in WO 95/20947 is based on a similarapproach to preventing parenteral abuse, said tablet containing theactive ingredient with abuse potential and at least one gel former, eachin different layers.

WO 03/015531 A2 discloses another approach to preventing parenteralabuse. A dosage form containing an analgesic opioid and a dye as anaversive agent is described therein.

The colour released by tampering with the dosage form is intended todiscourage the abuser from using the dosage form which has been tamperedwith.

Another known option for complicating abuse involves adding antagoniststo the active ingredients to the dosage form, for example naloxone ornaltexone in the case of opioids, or compounds which cause aphysiological defence response, such as for example ipecacuanha (ipecac)root.

However, since in most cases of abuse it is still necessary to pulverisethe dosage form comprising an active ingredient suitable for abuse, itwas the object of the present invention to complicate or prevent thepulverisation preceding abuse of the dosage form using the meansconventionally available to a potential abuser and accordingly toprovide a dosage form for active ingredients with abuse potential whichensures the desired therapeutic effect when correctly administered, butfrom which the active ingredients cannot be converted into a formsuitable for abuse simply by pulverisation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Said object has been achieved by the provision of the abuse-proofeddosage form thermoformed without extrusion according to the inventionwhich contains, in addition to one or more active ingredients with abusepotential (A), at least one synthetic or natural polymer (C) andoptionally at least one wax (D), wherein component (C) and theoptionally present component (D) in each case exhibits a breakingstrength of at least 500 N.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates the measurement of the breaking strength of a tablet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The use of polymers having the stated minimum breaking strength(measured as stated in the application), preferably in quantities suchthat the dosage form also exhibits such a minimum breaking strength ofat least 500 N, means that pulverisation of the dosage form isconsiderably more difficult using conventional means, so considerablycomplicating or preventing the subsequent abuse.

If comminution is inadequate, parenteral, in particular intravenous,administration cannot be performed safely or extraction of the activeingredient therefrom takes too long for the abuser or there is no “kick”when taken orally, as release is not instantaneous.

According to the invention, comminution is taken to mean pulverisationof the dosage form with conventional means which are available to anabuser, such as for example a mortar and pestle, a hammer, a mallet orother usual means for pulverisation by application of force.

The dosage form according to the invention is thus suitable forpreventing parenteral, nasal and/or oral abuse of active ingredients,preferably of pharmaceutical active ingredients with abuse potential.

Pharmaceutical active ingredients with abuse potential are known to theperson skilled in the art, as are the quantities thereof to be used andprocesses for the production thereof, and may be present in the dosageform according to the invention as such, in the form of thecorresponding derivatives thereof, in particular esters or ethers, or ineach case in the form of corresponding physiologically acceptablecompounds, in particular in the form of the salts or solvates thereof,as racemates or stereoisomers. The dosage form according to theinvention is also suitable for the administration of two or morepharmaceutical active ingredients. The dosage form preferably containsonly one specific active ingredient.

The dosage form according to the invention is in particular suitable forpreventing abuse of a pharmaceutical active ingredient selected from thegroup comprising opioids, tranquillisers, preferably benzodiazepines,barbiturates, stimulants and other narcotics.

The dosage form according to the invention is very particularly suitablefor preventing abuse of an opioid, tranquilliser or another narcoticselected from the group comprisingN-{1-[2-(4-ethyl-5-oxo-2-tetrazolin-1-yl)ethyl]-4-methoxymethyl-4-piperidyl}propionanilide(alfentanil), 5,5-diallylbarbituric acid (allobarbital), allylprodine,alphaprodine,8-chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]-benzodiazepine(alprazolam), 2-diethylaminopropiophenone (amfepramone),(±)-a-methyl-phenethylamine (amphetamine),2-(a-methylphenethylamino)-2-phenylacetonitrile (amphetaminil),5-ethyl-5-isopentylbarbituric acid (amobarbital), anileridine,apocodeine, 5,5-diethylbarbituric acid (barbital), benzylmorphine,bezitramide, 7-bromo-5-(2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2(3H)-one(bromazepam),2-bromo-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-9-methyl-6H-thieno[3,2-f][1,2,4]triazolo-[4,3-a][1,4]diazepine(brotizolam),17-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5a-epoxy-7a[(S)-1-hydroxy-1,2,2-trimethyl-propyl]-6-methoxy-6,14-endo-ethanomorphinan-3-ol(buprenorphine), 5-butyl-5-ethylbarbituric acid (butobarbital),butorphanol,(7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl)dimethylcarbamate (camazepam), (1S,2S)-2-amino-1-phenyl-1-propanol(cathine/D-norpseudoephedrine),7-chloro-N-methyl-5-phenyl-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ylamine 4-oxide(chlordiazepoxide),7-chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine-2,4(3H,5H)-dione(clobazam), 5-(2-chlorophenyl)-7-nitro-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one(clonazepam), clonitazene,7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepine-3-carboxylicacid (clorazepate),5-(2-chlorophenyl)-7-ethyl-1-methyl-1H-thieno[2,3-e][1,4]diazepin-2(3H)-one(clotiazepam), 10-chloro-11b-(2-chlorophenyl)-2,3,7,11b-tetrahydrooxazolo-[3,2-d][1,4]benzodiazepin-6(5H)-one (cloxazolam),(−)-methyl-[3β-benzoyloxy-2β(1aH,5aH)-tropancarboxylate] (cocaine),4,5a-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-7-morphinan-6a-ol (codeine),5-(1-cyclohexenyl)-5-ethylbarbituric acid (cyclobarbital), cyclorphan,cyprenorphine,7-chloro-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one(delorazepam), desomorphine, dextromoramide,(+)-(1-benzyl-3-dimethylamino-2-methyl-1-phenylpropyl)propionate(dextropropoxyphen), dezocine, diampromide, diamorphone,7-chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one (diazepam),4,5a-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-6a-morphinanol (dihydrocodeine),4,5α-epoxy-17-methyl-3,6a-morphinandiol (dihydromorphine), dimenoxadol,dimepheptanol, dimethylthiambutene, dioxaphetyl butyrate, dipipanone,(6aR,10aR)-6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl-6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-1-ol(dronabinol), eptazocine,8-chloro-6-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine(estazolam), ethoheptazine, ethylmethylthiambutene, ethyl[7-chloro-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2,3-dihydro-2-oxo-1H-1,4-benzodiazepine-3-carboxylate](ethyl loflazepate), 4,5α-epoxy-3-ethoxy-17-methyl-7-morphinen-6α-ol(ethylmorphine), etonitazene,4,5α-epoxy-7α-(1-hydroxy-1-methylbutyl)-6-methoxy-17-methyl-6,14-endo-etheno-morphinan-3-ol(etorphine), N-ethyl-3-phenyl-8,9,10-trinorbornan-2-ylamine(fencamfamine), 7-[2-(α-methyl-phenethylamino)ethyl]-theophylline)(fenethylline), 3-(α-methylphenethylamino)propionitrile (fenproporex),N-(1-phenethyl-4-piperidyl)propionanilide (fentanyl),7-chloro-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one(fludiazepam), 5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-7-nitro-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2 (3H)-one (flunitrazepam),7-chloro-1-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one(flurazepam),7-chloro-5-phenyl-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one(halazepam), 10-bromo-11b-(2-fluorophenyl)-2,3,7,11b-tetrahydro[1,3]oxazolyl[3,2-d][1,4]benzodiazepin-6(5H)-one(haloxazolam), heroin, 4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-6-morphinanone(hydrocodone), 4,5α-epoxy-3-hydroxy-17-methyl-6-morphinanone(hydromorphone), hydroxypethidine, isomethadone, hydroxymethylmorphinane,11-chloro-8,12b-dihydro-2,8-dimethyl-12b-phenyl-4H-[1,3]oxazino[3,2-d][1,4]benzodiazepine-4,7(6H)-dione(ketazolam), 1-[4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methyl-4-piperidyl]-1-propanone(ketobemidone), (3S,6S)-6-dimethylamino-4,4-diphenylheptan-3-yl acetate(levacetylmethadol (LAAM)),(−)-6-dimethyl-amino-4,4-diphenol-3-heptanone (levomethadone),(−)-17-methyl-3-morphinanol (levorphanol), levophenacylmorphane,lofentanil,6-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(4-methyl-1-piperazinylmethylene)-8-nitro-2H-imidazo[1,2-a][1,4]-benzodiazepin-1(4H)-one(loprazolam),7-chloro-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one(lorazepam),7-chloro-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-1-methyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one(lormetazepam),5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,5-dihydro-3H-imidazo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ol(mazindol), 7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepine(medazepam), N-(3-chloropropyl)-α-methylphenethylamine (mefenorex),meperidine, 2-methyl-2-propyltrimethylene dicarbamate (meprobamate),meptazinol, metazocine, methylmorphine, N,α-dimethylphenethylamine(methamphetamine), (±)-6-dimethylamino-4,4-diphenyl-3-heptanone(methadone), 2-methyl-3-o-tolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone (methaqualone),methyl [2-phenyl-2-(2-piperidyl)acetate] (methylphenidate),5-ethyl-1-methyl-5-phenylbarbituric acid (methylphenobarbital),3,3-diethyl-5-methyl-2,4-piperidinedione (methyprylon), metopon,8-chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine(midazolam), 2-(benzhydrylsulfinyl)-acetamide (modafinil),4,5α-epoxy-17-methyl-7-morphinan-3,6α-diol (morphine), myrophine,(±)-trans-3-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-7,8,10,10α-tetrahydro-1-hydroxy-6,6-dimethyl-6H-dibenzo[-b,d]pyran-9(6αH)-one(nabilone), nalbuphine, nalorphine, narceine, nicomorphine,1-methyl-7-nitro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one (nimetazepam),7-nitro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one (nitrazepam),7-chloro-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one (nordazepam),norlevorphanol, 6-dimethylamino-4,4-diphenyl-3-hexanone (normethadone),normorphine, norpipanone, the exudation for the plants belonging to thespecies Papaver somniferum (opium),7-chloro-3-hydroxy-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one (oxazepam),(cis-trans)-10-chloro-2,3,7,11b-tetrahydro-2-methyl-11b-phenyloxazolo[3,2-d][1,4]benzodiazepin-6-(5H)-one(oxazolam), 4,5α-epoxy-14-hydroxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-6-morphinanone(oxycodone), oxymorphone, plants and parts of plants belonging to thespecies Papaver somniferum (including the subspecies setigerum),papaveretum, 2-imino-5-phenyl-4-oxazolidinone (pernoline),1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-6,11-dimethyl-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-2,6-methano-3-benzazocin-8-ol(pentazocine), 5-ethyl-5-(1-methylbutyl)-barbituric acid(pentobarbital), ethyl (1-methyl-4-phenyl-4-piperidine carboxylate)(pethidine), phenadoxone, phenomorphan, phenazocine, phenoperidine,piminodine, pholcodine, 3-methyl-2-phenylmorpholine (phenmetrazine),5-ethyl-5-phenylbarbituric acid (phenobarbital),α,α-dimethylphenethylamine (phentermine),7-chloro-5-phenyl-1-(2-propynyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one(pinazepam), α-(2-piperidyl)benzhydryl alcohol (pipradrol),1′-(3-cyano-3,3-diphenylpropyl)[1,4′-bipiperidine]-4′-carboxamide(piritramide),7-chloro-1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one(prazepam), profadol, proheptazine, promedol, properidine, propoxyphene,N-(1-methyl-2-piperidinoethyl)-N-(2-pyridyl)propionamide, methyl{3-[4-methoxycarbonyl-4-(N-phenylpropanamido)piperidino]propanoate}(remifentanil), 5-sec-butyl-5-ethylbarbituric acid (secbutabarbital),5-allyl-5-(1-methylbutyl)-barbituric acid (secobarbital),N-{4-methoxymethyl-1-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-4-piperidyl}-propionanilide(sufentanil),7-chloro-2-hydroxy-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one(temazepam),7-chloro-5-(1-cyclohexenyl)-1-methyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one(tetrazepam), ethyl(2-dimethylamino-1-phenyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxylate) (tilidine (cisand trans)), tramadol,8-chloro-6-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine(triazolam), 5-(1-methylbutyl)-5-vinylbarbituric acid (vinylbital),(1R,2R)-3-(3-dimethylamino-1-ethyl-2-methyl-propyl)-phenol,(1R,2R,4S)-2-(dimethylamino)methyl-4-(p-fluorobenzyloxy)-1-(m-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanol,(1R,2R)-3-(2-dimethylamino-methylcyclohexyl)phenol,(1S,2S)-3-(3-dimethylamino-1-ethyl-2-methyl-propyl)phenol,(2R,3R)-1-dimethylamino-3(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-pentan-3-ol,(1RS,3RS,6RS)-6-dimethylaminomethyl-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-cyclohexan-1,3-diol,preferably as a racemate,3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)phenyl2-(4-isobutyl-phenyl)-propionate,3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)phenyl2-(6-methoxy-naphthalen-2-yl)-propionate,3-(2-dimethylamino-methyl-cyclohex-1-enyl)-phenyl2-(4-isobutyl-phenyl)-propionate,3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-cyclohex-1-enyl)-phenyl2-(6-methoxy-naphthalen-2-yl)-propionate,(RR-SS)-2-acetoxy-4-trifluoromethyl-benzoic acid3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-phenyl ester,(RR-SS)-2-hydroxy-4-trifluoromethyl-benzoic acid3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-phenyl ester,(RR-SS)-4-chloro-2-hydroxy-benzoic acid3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-phenyl ester,(RR-SS)-2-hydroxy-4-methyl-benzoic acid3-(2-dimethylamino-methyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-phenyl ester,(RR-SS)-2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzoic acid3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-phenyl ester,(RR-SS)-2-hydroxy-5-nitro-benzoic acid3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-phenyl ester,(RR-SS)-2′,4′-difluoro-3-hydroxy-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid3-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl)-phenyl ester andcorresponding stereoisomeric compounds, the corresponding derivativesthereof in each case, in particular amides, esters or ethers, and thephysiologically acceptable compounds thereof in each case, in particularthe salts and solvates thereof, particularly preferably hydrochlorides.

The dosage form according to the invention is in particular suitable forpreventing abuse of an opioid active ingredient selected from the groupcomprising oxycodone, hydromorphone, morphine, tramadol and thephysiologically acceptable derivatives or compounds thereof, preferablythe salts and solvates thereof, preferably the hydrochlorides thereof.

The dosage form according to the invention is furthermore in particularsuitable for preventing abuse of an opioid active ingredient selectedfrom the group comprising(1R,2R)-3-(3-dimethylamino-1-ethyl-2-methyl-propyl)-phenol,(2R,3R)-1-dimethylamino-3-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-2-methyl-pentan-3-ol,(1RS,3RS,6RS)-6-dimethylaminomethyl-1-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-cyclohexane-1,3-diol,(1R,2R)-3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl-cyclohexyl)-phenol, the physiologicallyacceptable salts thereof, preferably hydrochlorides, physiologicallyacceptable enantiomers, stereoisomers, diastereomers and racemates andthe physiologically acceptable derivatives thereof, preferably ethers,esters or amides.

These compounds and processes for the production thereof are describedin EP-A-693475 or EP-A-780369. The corresponding descriptions are herebyintroduced as a reference and are deemed to be part of the disclosure.

In order to achieve the necessary breaking strength of the dosage formaccording to the invention, at least one synthetic or natural polymer(C) is used which has a breaking strength, measured using the methoddisclosed in the present application, of at least 500 N. At least onepolymer selected from the group comprising polyalkylene oxides,preferably polymethylene oxide, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide;polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate,polystyrene, polyacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures of at leasttwo of the stated polymers is preferably used for this purpose. Highmolecular weight thermoplastic polyalkylene oxides are preferred. Highmolecular weight polyethylene oxides with a molecular weight of at least0.5 million, preferably of at least 1 million up to 15 million,determined by rheological measurements, are particularly preferred.These polymers have a viscosity at 25° C. of 4500 to 17600 cP, measuredon a 5 wt. % aqueous solution using a model RVF Brookfield viscosimeter(spindle no. 2/rotational speed 2 rpm), of 400 to 4000 cP, measured on a2 wt. % aqueous solution using the stated viscosimeter (spindle no. 1 or3/rotational speed 10 rpm) or of 1650 to 10000 cP, measured on a 1 wt. %aqueous solution using the stated viscosimeter (spindle no. 2/rotationalspeed 2 rpm).

The polymers are preferably used in powder form. They may be soluble inwater.

In order to achieve the necessary breaking strength of the dosage formaccording to the invention, it is furthermore possible additionally touse at least one natural or synthetic wax (D) with a breaking strength,measured using the method disclosed in the present application, of atleast 500 N. Waxes with a softening point of at least 60° C. arepreferred. Carnauba wax and beeswax are particularly preferred. Carnaubawax is very particularly preferred. Carnauba wax is a natural wax whichis obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm and has a softeningpoint of at least 80° C. When the wax component is additionally used, itis used together with at least one polymer (C) in quantities such thatthe dosage form has a breaking strength of at least 500 N.

Component (C) is preferably used in an amount of 35 to 99.9 wt. %,particularly preferably of at least 50 wt. %, very particularlypreferably of at least 60 wt. %, relative to the total weight of thedosage form.

Auxiliary substances (B) which may be used are those known auxiliarysubstances which are conventional for the formulation of solid dosageforms. These are preferably plasticisers, such as polyethylene glycol,auxiliary substances which influence active ingredient release,preferably hydrophobic or hydrophilic, preferably hydrophilic polymers,very particularly preferably hydroxypropylcellulose, and/orantioxidants. Suitable antioxidants are ascorbic acid,butylhydroxyanisole, butylhydroxytoluene, salts of ascorbic acid,monothioglycerol, phosphorous acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and thederivatives thereof, sodium bisulfite, particularly preferablybutylhydroxytoluene (BHT) or butylhydroxyanisole (BHA) and α-tocopherol.

The antioxidant is preferably used in quantities of 0.01 to 10 wt. %,preferably of 0.03 to 5 wt. %, relative to the total weight of thedosage form.

The dosage forms according to the invention are distinguished in that,due their hardness, they cannot be pulverised, for example by grindingin a mortar and pestle. This virtually rules out oral or parenteral, inparticular intravenous or nasal abuse. However, in order to prevent anypossible abuse of the dosage form according to the invention, the dosageforms according to the invention may, in a preferred embodiment, containfurther agents which complicate or prevent abuse as auxiliary substances(B).

The abuse-proofed dosage form according to the invention, whichcomprises, apart from one or more active ingredients with abusepotential, at least one hardening polymer (C) and optionally at leastone wax (D), may accordingly also comprise at least one of the followingcomponents (a)-(e) as auxiliary substances (B):

-   (a) at least one substance which irritates the nasal passages and/or    pharynx,-   (b) at least one viscosity-increasing agent, which, with the    assistance of a necessary minimum quantity of an aqueous liquid,    forms a gel with the extract obtained from the dosage form, which    gel preferably remains visually distinguishable when introduced into    a further quantity of an aqueous liquid,-   (c) at least one antagonist for each of the active ingredients with    abuse potential,-   (d) at least one emetic,-   (e) at least one dye as an aversive agent,-   (f) at least one bitter substance.

Components (a) to (f) are additionally each individually suitable forabuse-proofing the dosage form according to the invention. Accordingly,component (a) is preferably suitable for proofing the dosage formagainst nasal, oral and/or parenteral, preferably intravenous, abuse,component (b) is preferably suitable for proofing against parenteral,particularly preferably intravenous and/or nasal abuse, component (c) ispreferably suitable for proofing against nasal and/or parenteral,particularly preferably intravenous, abuse, component (d) is preferablysuitable for proofing against parenteral, particularly preferablyintravenous, and/or oral and/or nasal abuse, component (e) is suitableas a visual deterrent against oral or parenteral abuse and component (f)is suitable for proofing against oral or nasal abuse. Combined useaccording to the invention of at least one of the above-statedcomponents makes it possible still more effectively to prevent abuse ofdosage forms according to the invention.

In one embodiment, the dosage form according to the invention may alsocomprise two or more of components (a)-(f) in a combination, preferably(a), (b) and optionally (c) and/or (f) and/or (e) or (a), (b) andoptionally (d) and/or (f) and/or (e).

In another embodiment, the dosage form according to the invention maycomprise all of components (a)-(f).

If the dosage form according to the invention comprises component (a) tocounter abuse, substances which irritate the nasal passages and/orpharynx which may be considered according to the invention are anysubstances which, when administered via the nasal passages and/orpharynx, bring about a physical reaction which is either so unpleasantfor the abuser that he/she does not wish to or cannot continueadministration, for example burning, or physiologically counteractstaking of the corresponding active ingredient, for example due toincreased nasal secretion or sneezing. These substances whichconventionally irritate the nasal passages and/or pharynx may also bringabout a very unpleasant sensation or even unbearable pain whenadministered parenterally, in particular intravenously, such that theabuser does not wish to or cannot continue taking the substance.

Particularly suitable substances which irritate the nasal passagesand/or pharynx are those which cause burning, itching, an urge tosneeze, increased formation of secretions or a combination of at leasttwo of these stimuli. Appropriate substances and the quantities thereofwhich are conventionally to be used are known per se to the personskilled or may be identified by simple preliminary testing.

The substance which irritates the nasal passages and/or pharynx ofcomponent (a) is preferably based on one or more constituents or one ormore plant parts of at least one hot substance drug.

Corresponding hot substance drugs are known per se to the person skilledin the art and are described, for example, in “PharmazeutischeBiologie—Drogen and ihre Inhaltsstoffe” by Prof. Dr. Hildebert Wagner,2nd., revised edition, Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart-New York, 1982,pages 82 et seq. The corresponding description is hereby introduced as areference and is deemed to be part of the disclosure.

A dosage unit is taken to mean a separate or separable administrationunit, such as for example a tablet or a capsule.

One or more constituents of at least one hot substance drug selectedfrom the group consisting of Allii sativi bulbus (garlic), Asari rhizomacum herba (Asarum root and leaves), Calami rhizoma (calamus root),Capsici fructus (capsicum), Capsici fructus acer (cayenne pepper),Curcumae longae rhizoma (turmeric root), Curcumae xanthorrhizae rhizoma(Javanese turmeric root), Galangae rhizoma (galangal root), Myristicaesemen (nutmeg), Piperis nigri fructus (pepper), Sinapis albae semen(white mustard seed), Sinapis nigri semen (black mustard seed),Zedoariae rhizoma (zedoary root) and Zingiberis rhizoma (ginger root),particularly preferably from the group consisting of Capsici fructus(capsicum), Capsici fructus acer (cayenne pepper) and Piperis nigrifructus (pepper) may preferably be added as component (a) to the dosageform according to the invention.

The constituents of the hot substance drugs preferably compriseo-methoxy(methyl)phenol compounds, acid amide compounds, mustard oils orsulfide compounds or compounds derived therefrom.

Particularly preferably, at least one constituent of the hot substancedrugs is selected from the group consisting of myristicin, elemicin,isoeugenol, α-asarone, safrole, gingerols, xanthorrhizol, capsaicinoids,preferably capsaicin, capsaicin derivatives, such asN-vanillyl-9E-octadecenamide, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin,homocapsaicin, norcapsaicin and nomorcapsaicin, piperine, preferablytrans-piperine, glucosinolates, preferably based on non-volatile mustardoils, particularly preferably based on p-hydroxybenzyl mustard oil,methylmercapto mustard oil or methylsulfonyl mustard oil, and compoundsderived from these constituents.

The dosage form according to the invention may preferably contain theplant parts of the corresponding hot substance drugs in a quantity of0.01 to 30 wt. %, particularly preferably of 0.1 to 0.5 wt. %, in eachcase relative to the total weight of the dosage unit.

If one or more constituents of corresponding hot substance drugs areused, the quantity thereof in a dosage unit according to the inventionpreferably amounts to 0.001 to 0.005 wt. %, relative to the total weightof the dosage unit.

Another option for preventing abuse of the dosage form according to theinvention consists in adding at least one viscosity-increasing agent asa further abuse-preventing component (b) to the dosage form, which, withthe assistance of a necessary minimum quantity of an aqueous liquid,forms a gel with the extract obtained from the dosage form, which gel isvirtually impossible to administer safely and preferably remainsvisually distinguishable when introduced into a further quantity of anaqueous liquid.

For the purposes of the present invention, visually distinguishablemeans that the active ingredient-containing gel formed with theassistance of a necessary minimum quantity of aqueous liquid, whenintroduced, preferably with the assistance of a hypodermic needle, intoa further quantity of aqueous liquid at 37° C., remains substantiallyinsoluble and cohesive and cannot straightforwardly be dispersed in sucha manner that it can safely be administered parenterally, in particularintravenously. The material preferably remains visually distinguishablefor at least one minute, preferably for at least 10 minutes.

The increased viscosity of the extract makes it more difficult or evenimpossible for it to be passed through a needle or injected. If the gelremains visually distinguishable, this means that the gel obtained onintroduction into a further quantity of aqueous liquid, for example byinjection into blood, initially remains in the form of a largelycohesive thread, which, while it may indeed be broken up into smallerfragments, cannot be dispersed or even dissolved in such a manner thatit can safely be administered parenterally, in particular intravenously.In combination with at least one optionally present component (a) to(e), this additionally leads to unpleasant burning, vomiting, badflavour and/or visual deterrence.

Intravenous administration of such a gel would most probably result inobstruction of blood vessels, associated with serious harm to the healthof the abuser.

In order to verify whether a viscosity-increasing agent is suitable ascomponent (b) for use in the dosage form according to the invention, theactive ingredient is mixed with the viscosity-increasing agent andsuspended in 10 ml of water at a temperature of 25° C. If this resultsin the formation of a gel which fulfils the above-stated conditions, thecorresponding viscosity-increasing agent is suitable for preventing oraverting abuse of the dosage forms according to the invention.

If component (b) is added to the dosage form according to the invention,one or more viscosity-increasing agents are used which are selected fromthe group comprising microcrystalline cellulose with 11 wt. %carboxymethylcellulose sodium (Avicel® RC 591), carboxymethylcellulosesodium (Blanose®, CMC-Na C300P®, Frimulsion BLC-5®, Tylose C300 PC)),polyacrylic acid (Carbopol® 980 NF, Carbopol® 981), locust bean flour(Cesagum® LA-200, Cesagum® LID/150, Cesagum® LN-1), pectins, preferablyfrom citrus fruits or apples (Cesapectin® HM Medium Rapid Set), waxymaize starch (C*Gel 04201®), sodium alginate (Frimulsion ALG (E401)®),guar flour (Frimulsion BM®, Polygum 26/1-75®), iota carrageen(Frimulsion D021®), karaya gum, gellan gum (Kelcogel F®, KelcogelLT100®), galactomannan (Meyprogat 150 ®), tara bean flour (Polygum43/1®), propylene glycol alginate (Protanal-Ester SD-LB®), sodiumhyaluronate, tragacanth, tara gum (Vidogum SP 200®), fermentedpolysaccharide welan gum (K1A96), xanthan gum (Xantural 180®). Xanthansare particularly preferred. The names stated in brackets are the tradenames by which the materials are known commercially. In general, aquantity of 0.1 to 20 wt. %, particularly preferably of 0.1 to 15 wt. %of the stated viscosity-increasing agent(s) is sufficient to fulfil theabove-stated conditions.

The component (b) viscosity-increasing agents, where provided, arepreferably present in the dosage form according to the invention inquantities of 5 mg per dosage unit, i.e. per administration unit.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, theviscosity-increasing agents used as component (b) are those which, onextraction from the dosage form with the necessary minimum quantity ofaqueous liquid, form a gel which encloses air bubbles. The resultantgels are distinguished by a turbid appearance, which provides thepotential abuser with an additional optical warning and discourageshim/her from administering the gel parenterally.

Component (C) may also optionally serves as an additionalviscosity-increasing agent which, with the assistance of a minimumnecessary quantity of an aqueous liquid, forms a gel.

It is also possible to formulate the viscosity-increasing agent and theother constituents in the dosage form according to the invention in amutually spatially separated arrangement.

In order to discourage and prevent abuse, the dosage form according tothe invention may furthermore comprise component (c), namely one or moreantagonists for the active ingredient or active ingredients with abusepotential, wherein the antagonists are preferably spatially separatedfrom the remaining constituents of the invention dosage according to theform and, when correctly used, do not exert any effect.

Suitable antagonists for preventing abuse of the active ingredients areknown per se to the person skilled in the art and may be present in thedosage form according to the invention as such or in the form ofcorresponding derivatives, in particular esters or ethers, or in eachcase in the form of corresponding physiologically acceptable compounds,in particular in the form of the salts or solvates thereof.

If the active ingredient present in the dosage form is an opioid, theantagonist used is preferably an antagonist selected from the groupcomprising naloxone, naltrexone, nalmefene, nalid, nalmexone, nalorphineor naluphine, in each case optionally in the form of a correspondingphysiologically acceptable compound, in particular in the form of abase, a salt or solvate. The corresponding antagonists, where component(c) is provided, are preferably used in a quantity of ≧1 mg,particularly preferably in a quantity of 3 to 100 mg, very particularlypreferably in a quantity of 5 to 50 mg per dosage form, i.e. peradministration unit.

If the dosage form according to the invention comprises a stimulant asactive ingredient, the antagonist is preferably a neuroleptic,preferably at least one compound selected from the group consisting ofhaloperidol, promethazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, levomepromazine,thioridazine, perazine, chlorpromazine, chlorprothixine, zuclopentixol,flupentixol, prothipendyl, zotepine, benperidol, pipamperone, melperoneand bromperidol.

The dosage form according to the invention preferably comprises theseantagonists in a conventional therapeutic dose known to the personskilled in the art, particularly preferably in a quantity of twice tofour times the conventional dose per administration unit.

If the combination to discourage and prevent abuse of the dosage formaccording to the invention comprises component (d), it may comprise atleast one emetic, which is preferably present in a spatially separatedarrangement from the other components of the dosage form according tothe invention and, when correctly used, is intended not to exert itseffect in the body.

Suitable emetics for preventing abuse of an active ingredient are knownper se to the person skilled in the art and may be present in the dosageform according to the invention as such or in the form of correspondingderivatives, in particular esters or ethers, or in each case in the formof corresponding physiologically acceptable compounds, in particular inthe form of the salts or solvates thereof.

An emetic based on one or more constituents of ipecacuanha (ipecac)root, preferably based on the constituent emetine may preferably beconsidered in the dosage form according to the invention, as are, forexample, described in “Pharmazeutische Biologie—Drogen and ihreInhaltsstoffe” by Prof. Dr. Hildebert Wagner, 2nd, revised edition,Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart, N.Y., 1982. The correspondingliterature description is hereby introduced as a reference and is deemedto be part of the disclosure.

The dosage form according to the invention may preferably comprise theemetic emetine as component (d), preferably in a quantity of ≧3 mg,particularly preferably of ≧10 mg and very particularly preferably in aquantity of ≧20 mg per dosage form, i.e. administration unit.

Apomorphine may likewise preferably be used as an emetic in theabuse-proofing according to the invention, preferably in a quantity ofpreferably ≧3 mg, particularly preferably of ≧5 mg and very particularlypreferably of ≧7 mg per administration unit.

If the dosage form according to the invention contains component (e) asa further abuse-preventing auxiliary substance, the use of a such a dyebrings about an intense coloration of a corresponding aqueous solution,in particular when the attempt is made to extract the active ingredientfor parenteral, preferably intravenous administration, which colorationmay act as a deterrent to the potential abuser. Oral abuse, whichconventionally begins by means of aqueous extraction of the activeingredient, may also be prevented by this coloration. Suitable dyes andthe quantities required for the necessary deterrence may be found in WO03/015531, wherein the corresponding disclosure should be deemed to bepart of the present disclosure and is hereby introduced as a reference.

If the dosage form according to the invention contains component (f) asa further abuse-preventing auxiliary substance, this addition of atleast one bitter substance and the consequent impairment of the flavourof the dosage form additionally prevents oral and/or nasal abuse.

Suitable bitter substances and the quantities effective for use may befound in US-2003/0064099 A1, the corresponding disclosure of whichshould be deemed to be the disclosure of the present application and ishereby introduced as a reference. Suitable bitter substances arepreferably aromatic oils, preferably peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil,bitter almond oil, menthol, fruit aroma substances, preferably aromasubstances from lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruit or mixtures thereof,and/or denatonium benzoate (Bitrex®). Denatonium benzoate isparticularly preferred.

The solid dosage form according to the invention is suitable to be takenorally, vaginally or rectally, preferably orally. The dosage form ispreferably not in film form.

The dosage form according to the invention may assume multiparticulateform, preferably in the form of microtablets, microcapsules,micropellets, granules, spheroids, beads or pellets, optionally packagedin capsules or pressed into tablets, preferably for oral administration.The multiparticulate forms preferably have a size or size distributionin the range from 0.1 to 3 mm, particularly preferably in the range from0.5 to 2 mm. Depending on the desired dosage form, conventionalauxiliary substances (B) are optionally also used for the formulation ofthe dosage form.

The solid, abuse-proofed dosage form according to the invention ispreferably produced without using an extruder by mixing components (A),(B), (C) and optionally (D) and optionally at least one of theoptionally present further abuse-preventing components (a)-(f) or, ifnecessary, by separate mixing with the addition of component (C) andoptionally component (D), and, optionally after granulation, shaping theresultant mixture or mixtures by application of force to yield thedosage form with preceding or simultaneous exposure to heat.

Heating and application of force for the production of the dosage formproceed without using an extruder.

Mixing of components (A), (B), (C) and optionally (D) and of theoptionally present further components (a)-(f) and optionally ofcomponents (C) and the optionally present component (D) proceedsoptionally in each case in a mixer known to the person skilled in theart. The mixer may, for example, be a roll mixer, shaking mixer, shearmixer or compulsory mixer.

The resultant mixture is preferably shaped directly by application offorce to yield the dosage form according to the invention with precedingor simultaneous exposure to heat. The mixture may, for example, beformed into tablets by direct tabletting. In direct tabletting withsimultaneous exposure to heat, the tabletting tool, i.e. bottom punch,top punch and die are briefly heated at least to the softeningtemperature of the polymer component (C) and pressed together. In directtabletting with preceding exposure to heat, the material to be pressedis heated immediately prior to tabletting at least to the softeningtemperature of component (C) and then pressed with the tabletting tool.

The resultant mixture of components (A), (B), (C) and optionally (D) andthe optionally present components (a) to (f) or the mixture of at leastone of these components (a) to (f) with component (C) may also first begranulated and then be shaped by application of force with preceding orsimultaneous exposure to heat to yield the dosage form according to theinvention.

When force is applied, it is applied until the dosage form has achieveda breaking hardness of at least 500 N.

Granulation may be performed in known granulators by wet granulation ormelt granulation.

Each of the above-mentioned process steps, in particular the heatingsteps and simultaneous or subsequent application of force for productionof the dosage form according to the invention proceeds without using anextruder.

In a further preferred embodiment, the dosage form according to theinvention assumes the form of a tablet, a capsule or is in the form ofan oral osmotic therapeutic system (OROS), preferably if at least onefurther abuse-preventing component (a)-(f) is also present.

If components (c) and/or (d) and/or (f) are present in the dosage formaccording to the invention, care must be taken to ensure that they areformulated in such a manner or are present in such a low dose that, whencorrectly administered, said components are able to bring aboutvirtually no effect which impairs the patient or the efficacy of theactive ingredient.

If the dosage form according to the invention contains component (d)and/or (f), the dosage must be selected such that, when correctly orallyadministered, no negative effect is caused. If, however, the intendeddosage of the dosage form is exceeded in the event of abuse, nausea oran inclination to vomit or a bad flavour are produced. The particularquantity of component (d) and/or (f) which can still be tolerated by thepatient in the event of correct oral administration may be determined bythe person skilled in the art by simple preliminary testing.

If, however, irrespective of the fact that the dosage form according tothe invention is virtually impossible to pulverise, the dosage formcontaining the components (c) and/or (d) and/or (f) is provided withprotection, these components should preferably be used at a dosage whichis sufficiently high that, when abusively administered, they bring aboutan intense negative effect on the abuser. This is preferably achieved byspatial separation of at least the active ingredient or activeingredients from components (c) and/or (d) and/or (f), wherein theactive ingredient or active ingredients is/are present in at least onesubunit (X) and components (c) and/or (d) and/or (f) is/are present inat least one subunit (Y), and wherein, when the dosage form is correctlyadministered, components (c), (d) and (f) do not exert their effect ontaking and/or in the body and the remaining components of theformulation, in particular component (C) and optionally (D), areidentical.

If the dosage form according to the invention comprises at least 2 ofcomponents (c) and (d) or (f), these may each be present in the same ordifferent subunits (Y). Preferably, when present, all the components (c)and (d) and (f) are present in one and the same subunit (Y).

For the purposes of the present invention, subunits are solidformulations, which in each case, apart from conventional auxiliarysubstances known to the person skilled in the art, contain the activeingredient(s), at least one polymer (C) and the optionally presentcomponent (D) and optionally at least one of the optionally presentcomponents (a) and/or (b) and/or (e) or in each case at least onepolymer (C) and optionally (D) and the antagonist(s) and/or emetic(s)and/or component (e) and/or component (f) and optionally at least one ofthe optionally present components (a) and/or (b). Care must here betaken to ensure that each of the subunits is formulated in accordancewith the above-stated process.

One substantial advantage of the separated formulation of activeingredients from components (c) or (d) or (f) in subunits (X) and (Y) ofthe dosage form according to the invention is that, when correctlyadministered, components (c) and/or (d) and/or (f) are hardly releasedon taking and/or in the body or are released in such small quantitiesthat they exert no effect which impairs the patient or therapeuticsuccess or, on passing through the patient's body, they are onlyliberated in locations where they cannot be sufficiently absorbed to beeffective. When the dosage form is correctly administered, preferablyhardly any of components (c) and/or (d) and/or (f) is released into thepatient's body or they go unnoticed by the patient.

The person skilled in the art will understand that the above-statedconditions may vary as a function of the particular components (c), (d)and/or (f) used and of the formulation of the subunits or the dosageform. The optimum formulation for the particular dosage form may bedetermined by simple preliminary testing. What is vital is that eachsubunit contains the polymer (C) and optionally component (D) and hasbeen formulated in the above-stated manner.

Should, contrary to expectations, the abuser succeed in comminuting sucha dosage form according to the invention, which comprises components (c)and/or (e) and/or (d) and/or (f) in subunits (Y), for the purpose ofabusing the active ingredient and obtain a powder which is extractedwith a suitable extracting agent, not only the active ingredient butalso the particular component (c) and/or (e) and/or (f) and/or (d) willbe obtained in a form in which it cannot readily be separated from theactive ingredient, such that when the dosage form which has beentampered with is administered, in particular by oral and/or parenteraladministration, it will exert its effect on taking and/or in the bodycombined with an additional negative effect on the abuser correspondingto component (c) and/or (d) and/or (f) or, when the attempt is made toextract the active ingredient, the coloration will act as a deterrentand so prevent abuse of the dosage form.

A dosage form according to the invention, in which the active ingredientor active ingredients is/are spatially separated from components (c),(d) and/or (e), preferably by formulation in different subunits, may beformulated in many different ways, wherein the corresponding subunitsmay each be present in the dosage form according to the invention in anydesired spatial arrangement relative to one another, provided that theabove-stated conditions for the release of components (c) and/or (d) arefulfilled.

The person skilled in the art will understand that component(s) (a)and/or (b) which are optionally also present may preferably beformulated in the dosage form according to the invention both in theparticular subunits (X) and (Y) and in the form of independent subunitscorresponding to subunits (X) and (Y), provided that neither theabuse-proofing nor the active ingredient release in the event of correctadministration is impaired by the nature of the formulation and thepolymer (C) and optionally (D) is included in the formulation andformulation is carried out in accordance with the above-stated processin order to achieve the necessary hardness.

In a preferred embodiment of the dosage form according to the invention,subunits (X) and (Y) are present in multiparticulate form, whereinmicrotablets, microcapsules, micropellets, granules, spheroids, beads orpellets are preferred and the same form, i.e. shape, is selected forboth subunit (X) and subunit (Y), such that it is not possible toseparate subunits (X) from (Y) by mechanical selection. Themultiparticulate forms are preferably of a size in the range from 0.1 to3 mm, preferably of 0.5 to 2 mm.

The subunits (X) and (Y) in multiparticulate form may also preferably bepackaged in a capsule or be pressed into a tablet, wherein the finalformulation in each case proceeds in such a manner that the subunits (X)and (Y) are also retained in the resultant dosage form.

The multiparticulate subunits (X) and (Y) of identical shape should alsonot be visually distinguishable from one another so that the abusercannot separate them from one another by simple sorting. This may, forexample, be achieved by the application of identical coatings which,apart from this disguising function, may also incorporate furtherfunctions, such as, for example, controlled release of one or moreactive ingredients or provision of a finish resistant to gastric juiceson the particular subunits.

The multiparticulate subunits may also be formulated as an oral dosageform as a slurry or suspension in pharmaceutically safe suspendingmedia.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, subunits (X)and (Y) are in each case arranged in layers relative to one another.

The layered subunits (X) and (Y) are preferably arranged for thispurpose vertically or horizontally relative to one another in the dosageform according to the invention, wherein in each case one or morelayered subunits (X) and one or more layered subunits (Y) may be presentin the dosage form, such that, apart from the preferred layer sequences(X)-(Y) or (X)-(Y)-(X), any desired other layer sequences may beconsidered, optionally in combination with layers containing components(a) and/or (b).

Another preferred dosage form according to the invention is one in whichsubunit (Y) forms a core which is completely enclosed by subunit (X),wherein a separation layer (Z) may be present between said layers. Sucha structure is preferably also suitable for the above-statedmultiparticulate forms, wherein both subunits (X) and (Y) and anoptionally present separation layer (Z), which must satisfy the hardnessrequirement according to the invention, are formulated in one and thesame multiparticulate form. In a further preferred embodiment of thedosage form according to the invention, the subunit (X) forms a core,which is enclosed by subunit (Y), wherein the latter comprises at leastone channel which leads from the core to the surface of the dosage form.

The dosage form according to the invention may comprise, between onelayer of the subunit (X) and one layer of the subunit (Y), in each caseone or more, preferably one, optionally swellable separation layer (Z)which serves to separate subunit (X) spatially from (Y).

If the dosage form according to the invention comprises the layeredsubunits (X) and (Y) and an optionally present separation layer (Z) inan at least partially vertical or horizontal arrangement, the dosageform preferably takes the form of a tablet, a coextrudate or a laminate.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, the entirety of the freesurface of subunit (Y) and optionally at least part of the free surfaceof subunit(s) (X) and optionally at least part of the free surface ofthe optionally present separation layer(s) (Z) may be coated with atleast one barrier layer (Z′) which prevents release of component (c)and/or (e) and/or (d) and/or (f). The barrier layer (Z′) must alsofulfil the hardness conditions according to the invention.

Another particularly preferred embodiment of the dosage form accordingto the invention comprises a vertical or horizontal arrangement of thelayers of subunits (X) and (Y) and at least one push layer (p) arrangedtherebetween, and optionally a separation layer (Z), in which dosageform the entirety of the free surface of layer structure consisting ofsubunits (X) and (Y), the push layer and the optionally presentseparation layer (Z) is provided with a semipermeable coating (E), whichis permeable to a release medium, i.e. conventionally a physiologicalliquid, but substantially impermeable to the active ingredient and tocomponent (c) and/or (d) and/or (f), and wherein this coating (E)comprises at least one opening for release of the active ingredient inthe area of subunit (X).

A corresponding dosage form is known to the person skilled in the art,for example under the name oral osmotic therapeutic system (OROS), asare suitable materials and methods for the production thereof, interalia from U.S. Pat. No. 4,612,008, U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,989 and U.S. Pat.No. 4,783,337. The corresponding descriptions are hereby introduced as areference and are deemed to be part of the disclosure.

In a further preferred embodiment, the subunit (X) of the dosage formaccording to the invention is in the form of a tablet, the edge face ofwhich and optionally one of the two main faces is covered with a barrierlayer (Z′) containing component (c) and/or (d) and/or (f).

The person skilled in the art will understand that the auxiliarysubstances of the subunit(s) (X) or (Y) and of the optionally presentseparation layer(s) (Z) and/or of the barrier layer(s) (Z′) used informulating the dosage form according to the invention will vary as afunction of the arrangement thereof in the dosage form according to theinvention, the mode of administration and as a function of theparticular active ingredient of the optionally present components (a)and/or (b) and/or (e) and of component (c) and/or (d) and/or (f). Thematerials which have the requisite properties are in each case known perse to the person skilled in the art.

If release of component (c) and/or (d) and/or (f) from subunit (Y) ofthe dosage form according to the invention is prevented with theassistance of a cover, preferably a barrier layer, the subunit mayconsist of conventional materials known to the person skilled in theart, providing that it contains at least one polymer (C) and optionally(D) to fulfil the hardness condition of the dosage form according to theinvention.

If a corresponding barrier layer (Z′) is not provided to prevent releaseof component (c) and/or (d) and/or (f), the materials of the subunitsshould be selected such that release of the particular component (c)and/or (d) from subunit (Y) is virtually ruled out. The materials whichare stated below to be suitable for production of the barrier layer maypreferably be used for this purpose.

Preferred materials are those which are selected from the groupcomprising alkylcelluloses, hydroxyalkylcelluloses, glucans,scleroglucans, mannans, xanthans, copolymers ofpoly[bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)propane and sebacic acid, preferably in amolar ratio of 20:80 (commercially available under the name Polifeprosan20®), carboxymethylcelluloses, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters,nitrocelluloses, polymers based on (meth)acrylic acid and the estersthereof, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyalkylenes, polyalkyleneglycols, polyalkylene oxides, polyalkylene terephthalates, polyvinylalcohols, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl esters, halogenated polyvinyls,polyglycolides, polysiloxanes and polyurethanes and the copolymersthereof.

Particularly suitable materials may be selected from the groupcomprising methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose,hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxybutylmethylcellulose, celluloseacetate, cellulose propionate (of low, medium or high molecular weight),cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, celluloseacetate phthalate, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose triacetate, sodiumcellulose sulfate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate,polybutyl methacrylate, polyisobutyl methacrylate, polyhexylmethacrylate, polyisodecyl methacrylate, polylauryl methacrylate,polyphenyl methacrylate, polymethyl acrylate, polyisopropyl acrylate,polyisobutyl acrylate, polyoctadecyl acrylate, polyethylene, low densitypolyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethyleneglycol, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl isobutyl ether, polyvinyl acetate and polyvinylchloride.

Particularly suitable copolymers may be selected from the groupcomprising copolymers of butyl methacrylate and isobutyl methacrylate,copolymers of methyl vinyl ether and maleic acid with high molecularweight, copolymers of methyl vinyl ether and maleic acid monoethylester, copolymers of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride andcopolymers of vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate.

Further materials which are particularly suitable for formulating thebarrier layer are starch-filled polycaprolactone (WO98/20073), aliphaticpolyesteramides (DE 19 753 534 A1, DE 19 800 698 A1, EP 0 820 698 A1),aliphatic and aromatic polyester urethanes (DE 19822979),polyhydroxyalkanoates, in particular polyhydroxybutyrates,polyhydroxyvalerates, casein (DE 4 309 528), polylactides andcopolylactides (EP 0 980 894 A1). The corresponding descriptions arehereby introduced as a reference and are deemed to be part of thedisclosure.

The above-stated materials may optionally be blended with furtherconventional auxiliary substances known to the person skilled in theart, preferably selected from the group comprising glycerylmonostearate, semi-synthetic triglyceride derivatives, semi-syntheticglycerides, hydrogenated castor oil, glyceryl palmitostearate, glycerylbehenate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gelatine, magnesium stearate, stearicacid, sodium stearate, talcum, sodium benzoate, boric acid and colloidalsilica, fatty acids, substituted triglycerides, glycerides,polyoxyalkylene glycols and the derivatives thereof.

If the dosage form according to the invention comprises a separationlayer (Z′), said layer, like the uncovered subunit (Y), may preferablyconsist of the above-stated materials described for the barrier layer.The person skilled in the art will understand that release of the activeingredient or of component (c) and/or (d) from the particular subunitmay be controlled by the thickness of the separation layer.

The dosage form according to the invention exhibits controlled releaseof the active ingredient. It is preferably suitable for twice dailyadministration to patients.

The dosage form according to the invention may comprise one or moreactive ingredients at least partially in controlled release form,wherein controlled release may be achieved with the assistance ofconventional materials and methods known to the person skilled in theart, for example by embedding the active ingredient in a controlledrelease matrix or by the application of one or more controlled releasecoatings. Active ingredient release must, however, be controlled suchthat the above-stated conditions are fulfilled in each case, for examplethat, in the event of correct administration of the dosage form, theactive ingredient or active ingredients are virtually completelyreleased before the optionally present component (c) and/or (d) canexert an impairing effect. Addition of materials effecting controlledrelease must moreover not impair the necessary hardness.

Controlled release from the dosage form according to the invention ispreferably achieved by embedding the active ingredient in a matrix. Theauxiliary substances acting as matrix materials control activeingredient release. Matrix materials may, for example, be hydrophilic,gel-forming materials, from which active ingredient release proceedsmainly by diffusion, or hydrophobic materials, from which activeingredient release proceeds mainly by diffusion from the pores in thematrix.

Physiologically acceptable, hydrophobic materials which are known to theperson skilled in the art may be used as matrix materials. Polymers,particularly preferably cellulose ethers, cellulose esters and/oracrylic resins are preferably used as hydrophilic matrix materials.Ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose,hydroxymethylcellulose, poly(meth)acrylic acid and/or the derivativesthereof, such as the salts, amides or esters thereof are veryparticularly preferably used as matrix materials.

Matrix materials prepared from hydrophobic materials, such ashydrophobic polymers, waxes, fats, long-chain fatty acids, fattyalcohols or corresponding esters or ethers or mixtures thereof are alsopreferred. Mono- or diglycerides of C12-C30 fatty acids and/or C12-C30fatty alcohols and/or waxes or mixtures thereof are particularlypreferably used as hydrophobic materials.

It is also possible to use mixtures of the above-stated hydrophilic andhydrophobic materials as matrix materials.

Component (C) and the optionally present component (D), which serve toachieve the breaking strength of at least 500 N which is necessaryaccording to the invention may furthermore also optionally serve asadditional matrix materials.

If the dosage form according to the invention is intended for oraladministration, it may also preferably comprise a coating which isresistant to gastric juices and dissolves as a function of the pH valueof the release environment. By means of this coating, it is possible toensure that the dosage form according to the invention passes throughthe stomach undissolved and the active ingredient is only released inthe intestines. The coating which is resistant to gastric juicespreferably dissolves at a pH value of between 5 and 7.5.

Corresponding materials and methods for the controlled release of activeingredients and for the application of coatings which are resistant togastric juices are known to the person skilled in the art, for examplefrom “Coated Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms—Fundamentals, ManufacturingTechniques, Biopharmaceutical Aspects, Test Methods and Raw Materials”by Kurt H. Bauer, K. Lehmann, Hermann P. Osterwald, Rothgang, Gerhart,1st edition, 1998, Medpharm Scientific Publishers. The correspondingliterature description is hereby introduced as a reference and is deemedto be part of the disclosure.

Method for Determining Breaking Strength

In order to verify whether a polymer may be used as component (C) or(D), the polymer is pressed to form a tablet with a diameter of 10 mmand a height of 5 mm using a force of 150 N at a temperature which atleast corresponds to the softening point of the polymer and isdetermined with the assistance of a DSC diagram of the polymer. Usingtablets produced in this manner, breaking strength is determined withthe apparatus described below in accordance with the method fordetermining the breaking strength of tablets published in the EuropeanPharmacopoeia 1997, page 143-144, method no. 2.9.8. The apparatus usedfor the measurement is a “Zwick Z 2.5” materials tester, Fmax=2.5 kNwith a maximum draw of 1150 mm, which should be set up with 1 column and1 spindle, a clearance behind of 100 mm and a test speed adjustablebetween 0.1 and 800 mm/min together with testControl software.Measurement is performed using a pressure piston with screw-in insertsand a cylinder (diam. 10 mm), a force transducer, Fmax. 1 kN, diameter=8mm, class 0.5 from 10 N, class 1 from 2 N to ISO 7500-1, withmanufacturer's test certificate M to DIN 55350-18 (Zwick gross forceFmax=1.45 kN) (all apparatus from Zwick GmbH & Co. KG, Ulm, Germany)with order no. BTC-FR 2.5 TH. D09 for the tester, order no. BTC-LC0050N. P01 for the force transducer, order no. BO 70000 S06 for thecentring device.

FIG. 1 shows the measurement of the breaking strength of a tablet, inparticular the tablet (4) adjustment device (6) used for this purposebefore and during the measurement. To this end, the tablet (4) is heldbetween the upper pressure plate (1) and the lower pressure plate (3) ofthe force application apparatus (not shown) with the assistance of two2-part clamping devices (2), which are in each case firmly fastened (notshown) with the upper and lower pressure plate once the spacing (5)necessary for accommodating and centring the tablet to be measured hasbeen established. The spacing (5) may be established by moving the2-part clamping devices horizontally outwards or inwards in each case onthe pressure plate on which they are mounted.

The tablets deemed to be resistant to breaking under a specific loadinclude not only those which have not broken but also those which mayhave suffered plastic deformation under the action of the force.

In the case of the dosage forms according to the invention, breakingstrength is determined in accordance with the stated method, dosageforms other than tablets also being tested.

The following Examples illustrate the invention purely by way of exampleand without restricting the general concept of the invention.

EXAMPLES

Tramadol hydrochloride was used as the active ingredient in a series ofExamples. Tramadol hydrochloride was used, despite tramadol not being anactive ingredient which conventionally has abuse potential, because itis not governed by German narcotics legislation, so simplifying theexperimental work. Tramadol is moreover a member of the opioid classwith excellent water solubility.

Example 1

Components Per tablet Complete batch Tramadol hydrochloride 100 mg 100 gPolyethylene oxide, NF, 200 mg 200 g MW 7 000 000 (Polyox WSR 303, DowChemicals) Total weight 300 mg 300 g

Tramadol hydrochloride and polyethylene oxide powder were mixed in afree-fall mixer. A tabletting tool with top punch, bottom punch and diefor tablets with a diameter of 10 mm and a radius of curvature of 8 mmwas heated to 80° C. in a heating cabinet. 300 mg portions of the powdermixture were pressed with the heated tool, wherein pressure wasmaintained for at least 15 seconds by clamping the tabletting tool in avice.

The breaking strength of the tablets was determined with the statedapparatus in accordance with the stated method. The tablets did notbreak when exposed to a force of 500 N. The tablet could not becomminuted using a hammer, nor with the assistance of a mortar andpestle.

In vitro release of the active ingredient from the preparation wasdetermined in a paddle stirrer apparatus in accordance with Pharm. Eur.The temperature of the release medium was 37° C. and the rotationalspeed of the stirrer 75 min⁻¹. At the beginning of the investigation,each tablet was placed in a 600 ml portion of artificial gastric juice,pH 1.2. After 30 minutes, the pH value was increased to 2.3 by additionof alkali solution, after a further 90 minutes to pH 6.5 and after afurther 60 minutes to pH 7.2. The released quantity of active ingredientpresent in the dissolution medium at each point in time was determinedby spectrophotometry.

Time Released quantity  30 min 15% 240 min 52% 480 min 80% 720 min 99%

Example 2

300 mg portions of the powder mixture from Example 1 were heated to 80°C. and in placed in the die of the tabletting tool. Pressing was thenperformed. The tablet exhibits the same properties such as the tablet inExample 1.

Example 3

Raw material Per tablet Complete batch Tramadol hydrochloride  50 mg 100g Polyethylene oxide, NF, 100 mg 200 g MW 7 000 000 (Polyox WSR 303, DowChemicals) Total weight 150 mg 300 g

Tramadol hydrochloride and the above-stated components were mixed in afree-fall mixer. A tabletting tool with top punch, bottom punch and diefor tablets with a diameter of 7 mm was heated to 80° C. in a heatingcabinet. 150 mg portions of the powder mixture were pressed with theheated tool, wherein pressure was maintained for at least 15 seconds byclamping the tabletting tool in a vice.

The breaking strength of the tablets was determined with the statedapparatus in accordance with the stated method. The tablets did notbreak when exposed to a force of 500 N.

In vitro release of the active ingredient was determined as in Example 1and was:

Time Released quantity  30 min 15% 240 min 62% 480 min 88% 720 min 99%

Example 4

Raw material Per tablet Complete batch Tramadol hydrochloride 100 mg 100g Polyethylene oxide, NF, 180 mg 180 g MW 7 000 000 (Polyox WSR 303, DowChemicals) Xanthan, NF  20 mg  20 g Total weight 300 mg 300 g

Tramadol hydrochloride, xanthan and polyethylene oxide were mixed in afree-fall mixer. A tabletting tool with top punch, bottom punch and diefor tablets with a diameter of 10 mm and a radius of curvature of 8 mmwas heated to 80° C. in a heating cabinet. 300 mg portions of the powdermixture were pressed with the heated tool, wherein pressure wasmaintained for at least 15 seconds by clamping the tabletting tool in avice.

The breaking strength of the tablets was determined with the statedapparatus in accordance with the stated method. The tablets did notbreak when exposed to a force of 500 N. The tablets did suffer a littleplastic deformation.

In vitro release of the active ingredient was determined as in Example 1and was:

Time Released quantity  30 min 14% 240 min 54% 480 min 81% 720 min 99%

The tablets could be cut up with a knife into pieces of an edge lengthof as small as approx. 2 mm. No further comminution proceeding as far aspulverisation was possible. When the pieces are combined with water, ahighly viscous gel is formed. Only with great difficulty could the gelbe pressed through a 0.9 mm injection cannula. When the gel was injectedinto water, the gel did not spontaneously mix with water, but remainedvisually distinguishable.

Example 5

Raw material Per tablet Complete batch Tramadol hydrochloride 50 mg 100g Polyethylene oxide, NF, 90 mg 180 g MW 7 000 000 (Polyox WSR 303, DowChemicals) Xanthan, NF 10 mg  20 g Total weight 150 mg  300 g

Tramadol hydrochloride, xanthan and polyethylene oxide were mixed in afree-fall mixer. A tabletting tool with a top punch, bottom punch anddie for oblong tablets 10 mm in length and 5 mm in width was heated to90° C. in a heating cabinet. 150 mg portions of the powder mixture werepressed with the heated tool, wherein pressure was maintained for atleast 15 seconds by clamping the tabletting tool in a vice.

The breaking strength of the tablets was determined with the statedapparatus in accordance with the stated method. The tablets did notbreak when exposed to a force of 500 N. The tablets did suffer a littleplastic deformation.

In vitro release of the active ingredient was determined as in Example 1and was:

Time Released quantity  30 min 22% 120 min 50% 240 min 80% 360 min 90%480 min 99%

The tablets could be cut up with a knife into pieces of an edge lengthof as small as approx. 2 mm, but could not be pulverised. When thepieces are combined with water, a highly viscous gel is formed. Onlywith great difficulty could the gel be pressed through a 0.9 mminjection cannula. When the gel was injected into water, the gel did notspontaneously mix with water, but remained visually distinguishable.

Example 6

A tablet with the following composition was produced as described inExample 1:

Components Per tablet Per batch Oxycodone hydrochloride  20.0 mg 0.240 gXanthan, NF  20.0 mg 0.240 g Polyethylene oxide, NF, 110.0 mg 1.320 g MW7 000 000 (Polyox WSR 303, Dow Chemicals) Total weight 150.0 mg 1.800 g

Release of the active ingredient was determined as follows:

In vitro release of the active ingredient from the preparation wasdetermined in a paddle stirrer apparatus in accordance with Pharm. Eur.The temperature of the release medium was 37° C. and the rotationalspeed 75 rpm. The phosphate buffer, pH 6.8, described in USP served asthe release medium. The quantity of active ingredient present in thesolvent at the particular time of testing was determined byspectrophotometry.

Time Mean  0 min  0%  30 min 17% 240 min 61% 480 min 90% 720 min101.1%  

The breaking strength of the tablets was determined with the statedapparatus in accordance with the stated method. The tablets did notbreak when exposed to a force of 500 N.

The tablets could be cut up with a knife into pieces of an edge lengthof as small as approx. 2 mm, but could not be pulverised. When thepieces are combined with water, a highly viscous gel is formed. Onlywith great difficulty could the gel be pressed through a 0.9 mminjection cannula. When the gel was injected into water, the gel did notspontaneously mix with water, but remained visually distinguishable.

Example 7

Components Per tablet Per batch Tramadol HCl 100.0 mg 2.0 g Polyethyleneoxide, NF, 221.0 mg 4.42 g MW 7 000 000 (Polyox WSR 303, Dow Chemicals)Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 20.0 mg 0.4 g (Metholose 90 SH 100 000 cPfrom ShinEtsu) Butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) 0.2 mg 0.004 g Total weight341.2 mg 6.824 g

The stated quantity of BHT was dissolved in ethanol (96%), such that a7.7% (mass/mass) ethanolic solution was obtained. This was mixed withthe polyethylene oxide and then dried for 12 h at 40° C.

All the further components were added to this dried mixture and mixedfor 15 min in a free-fall mixer.

The tablets were produced using the same method as stated in Example 1.Round punches (diameter 10 mm) with a radius of curvature of 8 mm wereused.

The breaking strength of the tablets was determined in accordance withthe stated method. The tablets did not break when exposed to a force of500 N. The tablets could not be comminuted either with a hammer or withthe assistance of a mortar and pestle.

In vitro release of the active ingredient from the dosage form wasdetermined in accordance with the details in Example 1 in order todetermine release.

Released quantity Time of active ingredient  30 min 17% 240 min 59% 480min 86% 720 min 98%

Example 8

Components Per tablet Per batch Tramadol HCl 100.0 mg  2.0 gPolyethylene oxide, NF, 221.0 mg 4.42 g MW 7 000 000 (Polyox WSR 303,Dow Chemicals) Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose  20.0 mg  0.4 g (Metholose90 SH 100 000 cP from ShinEtsu) Total weight 341.0 mg 6.82 g

The individual components were mixed for 15 min in a free-fall mixer.The tablets were produced in accordance with Example 1 using a hottabletting tool. Round punches (diameter 10 mm) with a radius ofcurvature of 8 mm were used.

The breaking strength of the tablets was determined in accordance withthe stated method. The tablets did not break when exposed to a force of500 N. The tablets could not be comminuted either with a hammer or withthe assistance of a mortar and pestle.

In vitro release of the active ingredient from the preparation wasdetermined as stated in Example 1.

Released quantity Time of active ingredient  30 min 16% 240 min 57% 480min 84% 720 min 96%

We claim:
 1. An abuse-proofed dosage form thermoformed withoutextrusion, comprising one or more active ingredients with abusepotential (A), optionally one or more physiologically acceptableauxiliary substances (B), at least one synthetic or natural polymer (C)and optionally at least one wax (D), wherein the one or more activeingredients with abuse potential (A) are selected from the groupconsisting of oxymorphone and physiologically acceptable compounds andderivatives thereof, and wherein the dosage form exhibits a breakingstrength of at least 500 N.
 2. A dosage form according to claim 1, whichis in the form of a tablet.
 3. A dosage form according to claim 1, whichis in multiparticulate form.
 4. A dosage form according to claim 1,which comprises as polymer (C) at least one polymer selected from thegroup consisting of polyethylene oxide, polymethylene oxide,polypropylene oxide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride,polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyacrylate, copolymers and mixturesthereof.
 5. A dosage form according to claim 1, wherein the polymer (C)is a polyethylene oxide having a molecular weight of at least 0.5million.
 6. A dosage according to claim 5, wherein the molecular weightof the polyethylene oxide (C) is at least 1 million.
 7. A dosage formaccording to claim 6, wherein the molecular weight of the polyethyleneoxide (C) is 1-15 million.
 8. A dosage form according to claim 1, whichcomprises as the wax (D) at least one natural, semi-synthetic orsynthetic wax with a softening point of at least 60° C.
 9. A dosage formaccording to claim 8, wherein the wax (D) is carnauba wax or beeswax.10. A dosage form according to claim 1, which additionally comprises atleast one of the following components a)-f): (a) at least one substancewhich irritates the nasal passages and/or pharynx, (b) at least oneviscosity-increasing agent, which, with the assistance of a necessaryminimum quantity of an aqueous liquid, forms a gel with the extractobtained from the dosage form, which gel optionally remains visuallydistinguishable when introduced into a further quantity of an aqueousliquid, (c) at least one antagonist for the active ingredient or activeingredients with abuse potential, (d) at least one emetic, (e) at leastone dye as an aversive agent, and (f) at least one bitter substance. 11.A dosage form according to claim 10, wherein the component (a) irritantsubstance causes burning, itching, an urge to sneeze, increasedformation of secretions or a combination of at least two of thesestimuli.
 12. A dosage form according to claim 10, wherein the component(a) irritant substance is based on one or more constituents of at leastone hot substance drug.
 13. A dosage form according to claim 12, whereinthe hot substance drug is at least one drug selected from the groupconsisting of Allii sativi bulbus (garlic), Asari rhizoma cum herba(Asarum root and leaves), Calami rhizoma (calamus root), Capsici fructus(capsicum), Capsici fructus acer (cayenne pepper), Curcumae longaerhizoma (turmeric root), Curcumae xanthorrhizae rhizoma (Javaneseturmeric root), Galangae rhizoma (galangal root), Myristicae semen(nutmeg), Piperis nigri fructus (pepper), Sinapis albae semen (whitemustard seed), Sinapis nigri semen (black mustard seed), Zedoariaerhizoma (zedoary root) and Zingiberis rhizoma (ginger root).
 14. Adosage form according to claim 12, wherein a constituent of the hotsubstance drug is an o-methoxy(methyl)phenol compound, an acid amidecompound, a mustard oil or a sulfide compound or is derived from such acompound.
 15. A dosage form according to claim 12, wherein a constituentof the hot substance drug is at least one constituent selected from thegroup consisting of myristicin, elemicin, isoeugenol, β-asarone,safrole, gingerols, xanthorrhizol, capsaicinoids, and a compound derivedfrom these constituents.
 15. A dosage form according to claim 10,wherein component (b) is at least one viscosity-increasing agentselected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose with 11wt. % carboxymethylcellulose sodium, carboxymethylcellulose sodium,polyacrylic acid, locust bean flour, pectins from citrus fruit orapples, waxy maize starch, sodium alginate, guar flour, iota carrageen,karaya gum, gellan gum, galactomannan, tara bean flour, propylene glycolalginate, apple pectin, sodium hyaluronate, tragacanth, tara gum,fermented polysaccharide welan gum, and xanthan gum.
 17. A dosage formaccording to claim 10, wherein component (c) is at least one opioidantagonist selected from the group consisting of naloxone, naltrexone,nalmefene, nalid, nalmexone, nalorphine, naluphine and a correspondingphysiologically acceptable compound derivative thereof.
 18. A dosageform according to claim 10, wherein component (c) is at least oneneuroleptic stimulant antagonist.
 19. A dosage form according to claim10, wherein the component (d) emetic is based on one or moreconstituents of ipecacuanha (ipecac) root and/or is apomorphine.
 20. Adosage form according to claim 10, wherein component (e) is at least onephysiologically acceptable dye.
 21. A dosage form according to claim 10,wherein component (f) is at least one bitter substance selected from thegroup consisting of aromatic oils, fruit aroma substances, anddenatonium benzoate and mixtures thereof comprising at least 2components.
 22. A dosage form according to claim 10, which comprises atleast one of components (c), (d) and/or (f), wherein the activeingredient or active ingredients (A) is/are spatially separated fromcomponent (c) and/or (d) and/or (f).
 23. A dosage form according toclaim 1, which comprises at least one active ingredient at leastpartially in controlled release form.
 24. A dosage form according toclaim 23, wherein each of the active ingredients with abuse potential(A) is present in a controlled release matrix.
 25. A dosage formaccording to claim 24, wherein component (C) and/or the optionallypresent component (D) also serve as a controlled release matrixmaterial.
 26. A process for the production of a dosage form according toclaim 1, comprising, without using an extruder, mixing components (A),(B), (C) and the optionally present component (D) to form a mixture,granulating the mixture and, optionally after granulation, shaping byapplication of force with preceding or simultaneous exposure to heat toyield the dosage form.
 27. A process according to claim 26, whereingranulation is performed by melt granulation or wet granulation.
 28. Adosage form obtained by a process according to claim
 26. 29. A dosageform according to claim 1, wherein the physiologically acceptablecompounds and derivatives are salts, solvates, esters, ethers andamides.
 30. A method of treating pain comprising administering to apatient in need thereof a effective amount to treat pain of one or moreactive ingredients with abuse potential (A) selected from the groupconsisting of oxymorphone and physiologically acceptable compounds andderivatives thereof, wherein said one or more active ingredients withabuse potential (A) are administered to said patient in the form of adosage form according to claim 1.